outweigh
Americanverb (used with object)
-
to exceed in value, importance, influence, etc..
The advantages of the plan outweighed its defects.
- Synonyms:
- override, eclipse, overshadow, surpass
-
to exceed in weight.
The champion will probably outweigh his opponent.
-
to be too heavy or burdensome for.
Collapse may follow if the load outweighs its supports.
verb
-
to prevail over; overcome
his desire outweighed his discretion
-
to be more important or significant than
-
to be heavier than
Other Word Forms
Conjugated Forms
Present
-
has outweighedperfect 3rd person singular
-
have outweighedperfect
-
am outweighingprogressive 1st person singular
-
outweighingparticiple
-
outweighssingular 3rd person
-
has been outweighingperfect progressive 3rd person singular
-
are outweighingprogressive
-
is outweighingprogressive 3rd person singular
-
have been outweighingperfect progressive
Past
-
had outweighedperfect
-
were outweighingprogressive plural
-
had been outweighingperfect progressive
-
outweighedsimple
-
was outweighingprogressive singular
-
outweighedparticiple
Future
Etymology
Origin of outweigh
Explanation
To outweigh is to be heavier or more important than something (or someone). A preschooler's needs might outweigh those of his uncle, even if the uncle does outweigh him by 200 pounds. Your Great Dane definitely outweighs your kitten, just like your car outweighs your bicycle and you outweigh the ant you just accidentally stepped on. If someone says "the benefits outweigh the risks," they mean that what can be gained is much more significant that what might be lost or risked: "I think you should apply for that scholarship; the benefits really outweigh the risks."
Vocabulary lists containing outweigh
Word Generation Weekly - Series 3
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out (beyond)
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
While short term injections from increased tourism can be seen in accommodations, dining and commercial sectors, the costs can still often outweigh the gains.
From Salon • Jun. 3, 2026
For India, the visit reflects a long-standing view that strategic interests in Myanmar outweigh concerns about the nature of the government in Nay Pyi Taw.
From BBC • Jun. 2, 2026
“Although we expect a record year of issuance in 2026, we view that supply as a risk rather than a reason for pessimism, and expect corporate equity demand will outweigh supply this year,” they said.
From MarketWatch • May 27, 2026
"Our review indicates that these fears are largely unsupported. In most cases, the benefits of trying to lose weight clearly outweigh the theoretical risks of weight cycling."
From Science Daily • May 17, 2026
Extreme measures would have to be taken, and all you could hope for was that the good would outweigh the bad.
From "Bodega Dreams" by Ernesto Quinonez
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
